Futures mixed as Washington tries to avert crisis

(AP) Stock futures are mixed as several strong earnings reports from U.S. corporations play out against the backdrop of another potential debt crisis in Washington.

Dow Jones industrial futures are down 4 points to 13,692. The broader S&P futures have lost 1.7 points to 1,487.70. Nasdaq futures are up 2.5 points to 2,753.50.

McDonald's Corp. on Wednesday topped expectations for the quarter and the full year, following a strong showing in the tech sector late Tuesday from Google, IBM and Cree Inc.

At the same time, Republicans in the House are trying to come to a consensus on legislation that would avert a fiscal crisis, at least temporarily, by easing the government's borrowing restrictions for three months. A vote is expected Wednesday.

Apple Inc. reports earnings after the closing bell.